What Deems a New Business Credible In the Eyes of a Potential Client

[Bronwyn Ware]

I recently met with a potential client and inquired if she had the opportunity to view my company's website. She looked astonished and said "Yes, I won't even deal with a business that does not have a website!" I was immediately caught off guard by her response and wondered if by not having had a website during the first several months of my business could have possibly hindered it's growth. Does a new business owner need a blog, podcast, website and several memberships in social networking sites in order to deemed credible by potential clients?

[Jeff Bowe]

Blog, podcast, and social networking site memberships--absolutely not. It all depends on your offering and your market. It's all about contacts and getting in touch with the right contacts. Look at where your contacts are and get there, wherever that is. I am quite sure there will be a bunch of pro-social media types out there who will adamantly disagree, but it's simple--not all markets and all contacts are going to be into blogs, podcasts, and social media sites.

Now websites, that's a different story. Considering you can get one for the cost of one really nice meal a month, yes, you need some presence. Just one or two pages to get your domain, tell your story, provide a unique value statement, and build from there.

[Bronwyn Ware]

Jeff,

Well put, especially the points you made in which a new business might need to substantiate a "presence" by establishing a website and relying on "the right contacts".

[Amy Stark]

Hey Bronwyn, If you are available Tuesday Morning November 19th, you should plan on joining the NAG group at LePeeps across from the Fashion Mall at 7:30am. We are a small but sincere networking group, and you would be a nice addition. We are good people =) You don't have to buy breakfast if you don't feel like it.

More and more people are turning to the wealth of information on the Net before deciding with whom to do business, what charities are worthy of donation, and even who to marry--(1 out of 8 marriages today began online, believe it or not). This is a bit dangerous because Anybody can pull together a groovy website... Just look at Stark ReAlity =)

With the proliferation of FREE Internet tools and social media platforms, it is negligent NOT to have SOME web presence. IF your business can profit from Search Engine Optimization, and appearing on the first page of Google search results, then you should have memberships in as many different social media platforms as possible.

I don't know if your lack of a web presence when you first started HURT your growth, but I can type without hesitation it didn't help.

I hope this answer helped, and I hope to see you Tuesday morning if you're free.

[Jeff Bowe]

I agree with NAG as a great group!
www.nag-castleton.com

[Amy Stark]

LOL Jeff.

Your response would indicate you ONLY agree with joining NAG, and disagree with everything else. =)

[Jeff Bowe]

Geez. NO. I agree that NAG is a great group, and upon reading it again to make sure, that not having a presence surely is not the best plan. It can never hurt to be out there in as many ways as possible. It may not be the panacea for everyone.

Here's my take:
What you can do that takes a minimal amount of time for the maximum exposure to your target market is the best thing to do. It comes down to minutes/perfect prospect.

P.S. So, if looking for someone to marry on line, we should be cautious of great photo and written presentations on websites?

[Bronwyn Ware]

I certaintly don't want to appear corny or outdated but I can remember when individuals remarked that they simply posted flyers, informed family and friends and handed out several business cards to signify the start of their business venture. Now I'm sure that was before the Internet became the advertising tool, as we all know it . Can anyone think of one legal, viable business that is currently in operation where the owner does not have a website, does not feel the need for advertising, does not blog, maintain a podcast etc.?

[Jeff Bowe]

Certain government contractors in the security business do not have or need websites. At the other end of the scale, under the radar (aka table) home hair dressers and stylists (which admittedly pushes the legal part).

The "no need to advertise" is almost too broad. From that description, Jack's carwash with a sign out front is advertising, as is the guy driving the truck that says "Jack's Hauling".

[Bronwyn Ware]

Point well taken.

[Amy Stark]

You can be as corny and outdated as you want.

My handy man, Jack, doesn't have a website. But that's the only business I deal with that does not have a web presence of some sort.

[Kristie Bradford]

WOW! Great discussion! I am just now getting out of bed and getting caught up on things that have been happening!

I totally agree. . every business should have a website. Why shouldn't a hairdresser have one? They could at least have a picture of themselves (I am not going to have someone cut my hair that does not have a great style herself!) on there and some clients that are really happy with their work can display their picture!

Why shouldn't a guy with a car wash have one? He can include some of his top of the line car wash machinery!

Why shouldn't "Jack's Hauling" have a website? He could include a picture of his truck and list examples of things that he can do! Some people may not realize all that can be hauled!

Everyone should have a website! If nothing else, they should have their contact info on it.

[Bronwyn Ware]

I agree that a business needs a website or a link from another business website that can somehow promote them. I was fortunate to have accepted an offer from Amy Stark to attend a NAG Meeting and during the course of the session an individual who appeared prosperous stated that his business was not serviced by a website. This immediately debunked the myth that in order for a business to be successful it had to have a website. Now the individual did mention that he services a mainly elderly clientele in his established business although no one is trying to imply that the eldery do not utilize the computer. Now I am curious if even a small company like a Jack's Hauling does utilize a website if it prevents them from moving into the realm of a mid sized company or larger company.